Polio Access Analyst at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

To adopt a scenario-based approach and address specific inaccessibility issues

To support the deployment of Open Data Kit (ODK) database for accessibility data collection and train LGA based security facilitators on how to use ODK.

To support the Local Security Access Facilitators (LSAF) as they identify key influencers within disparate communities who can facilitate programme delivery in inaccessible areas.

Polio Access Analyst to work in consultation with State EOC and may be required to liaise with key Army officials in order to negotiate local access for the delivery of UNICEF polio programme activities.

Due to the unpredictable situation in Borno, it is not possible to develop precise instructions to cover all contingencies in access management; as such, the Polio Access Analyst will be required to liaise closely with Chief of Field Office, local government, and others as may be appropriate; and together with the Chief of Field Office, determine the appropriate course of action to cope with rapidly changing situations. In some cases, decision-making may take place in a climate of intense stress, in which calm professionalism must be demonstrated. When decisions are taken, they must be carried out promptly, correctly and with confidence, creating an environment of confidence among the polio teams affected in the Emergency States of north-east Nigeria.

Based in Maiduguri, but with extensive travel, often for extended periods to designated Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the three Emergency States of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the Polio Access Analyst will report on day to day basis to Chief of Field Office, Borno and work under the overall supervision of, and maintain a technical reporting line with, the UNICEF Chief of C4D/Polio section who manages the Polio eradication program.

Information Collection:

Stay well-informed regarding developments in the North-East Zone with specific focus on Borno and Yobe; Report all incidents and accessibility issues to designated field officers. Liaise and work closely with Chief of Field Office (CFO), WHO, LSAFs and other important stakeholders in government; identify key influencers within the access-challenged areas that may facilitate programme delivery; Gather and provide evidence that key influencers/military have been identified and appropriate methodology considered to mitigate polio access issues.

Monitor access-management and Polio-related research and publications to remain current in global innovations and responses and recommend mitigation options accordingly.

Travel as required to support polio programme delivery, and/or to participate in UN-led accessibility assessments – often to remote and/or high-risk areas; report with evidence of improved access in key geographical areas.

Prior to polio related activities, access indications and instructions are prepared and delivered in a timely manner to relevant stakeholders; ccollect, quality assure, compile and submit access-related data from LGAs/Wards/Settlements using ODK; analyse and overlay data collected from multiple sources to aid in planning with a focus on access in support of programme delivery.

Use various sources of information such as Vaccine Tracking System (VTS) and support LSAFs in collection of data on habitation status in certain areas especially in VTS missed settlements

Information Management & Coordination:

Assist and support State Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in making plans and threat/risk assessments for polio programme. Manage an incident database of polio programme/humanitarian programs and produce regular reports, document and analyse trends in incidents pertaining to polio programme; manage database by using existing software developed by UNICEF and update as and when incident happens and same to be used for ready reference for UNICEF Management.

Support State Polio EOC in providing analytical content for regular access updates and advisories on threats pertaining to the polio eradication programme and other humanitarian programs; identify / confirm geographical areas with access challenges and determine reason(s) for inaccessibility

Work with UNICEF / WHO staff to develop capacity in collecting and analyzing access data in order to better understand access issues and obtain post campaign reporting (UNICEF/WHO)

Participate in planning events & meetings

Communication:

Provide security briefings to the State Polio EOC and in regular field-office team meetings, and ensure information is disseminated to relevant stakeholders both in coverage areas, and to Abuja.

Help to ensure that all polio team personnel in the geographic area of responsibility are updated on the access situation and potential threats to the programme; and with input from UNICEF CFO, ensure that the polio team is aware of the relevant access protocols and interim measures.

A quarterly work-plan developed and discussed with CFO. This work plan to be aligned with and support implementation state emergency plan. Analyst’s work-plan to be shared with Zonal office, State team and UNICEF Abuja.

Polio access and settlement database in coordination with State EOC and partners

Weekly and Monthly updates to be shared with state, zonal, and national office.

End of Assignment Report.

Qualification of Successful Candidate
Education:

An advanced university degree in related field with focus on risk management, data analysis, and information operations.

A first level university degree with additional two years of experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in a recognized police, military or state security agency, including security related tasks within multi-cultural surroundings.

Working knowledge of threat assessments, data analysis and liaison duties would be an advantage.